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AIA Diwali event draws over 25,000 in Bay Area
The Association of Indo Americans marked a record turnout as California prepares to observe Diwali as an official state holiday.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 16, Oct 2025
- 12:45 EDT
- 21
More than 25,000 people attended the Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka 2025 hosted by Association of Indo Americans (AIA) / Courtesy: AIA
The Association of Indo Americans (AIA) and Bolly 92.3 FM hosted the ‘Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka 2025’ at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton on Oct. 11, attracting an estimated crowd of more than 25,000 people.
The large-scale event was among the biggest Indian festivals in the U.S. this year. It featured religious rituals, cultural performances, and public festivities. Festivities began with the Maha Mangal Aarti, followed by a Durga Ma Rath Yatra chariot procession and a staging of the Ram Leela.
Also Read: India Society of Worcester hosts Diwali celebration in Boston
Ravana Dahan at the Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka 2025 by AIA / Courtesy: AIASeveral dignitaries attended the event, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Consul General of India in San Francisco Srikar Reddy, Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, and mayors from Pleasanton, Fremont, Dublin, and other Bay Area cities.
The evening concluded with the Ravan Dahan—the burning of a 40-foot effigy of Ravana—and a fireworks display viewed by thousands of attendees.
Throughout the day, more than 500 performers participated in classical, folk, Bollywood, and fusion dance and music programs across multiple stages.
Popular attractions included the AIA Idol singing competition and Bolly Tambola. Over 135 vendor booths and 20 food stalls offered traditional cuisine, sweets, handicrafts, jewelry, apparel, and festive decor.
AIA officials expressed gratitude to the performers, vendors, and community members whose participation made the event possible.
The celebration carried added significance as it came ahead of Diwali’s official recognition as a California state holiday beginning in 2026.
Founded to promote cultural and civic engagement among Indian Americans, the organization plans to expand outreach activities in the coming year.
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